In 2005 Trenton, New Jersey was hit hard with a record breaking 31 murders do to gang and youth violence. This left the City in a state of shock. City Officials, Community Activist, Clergy and, People from all across the Country came out to address this issue,and to look for positive resolutions. A 3 day summit was held in the City of Trenton to develop an effective system that will work.

Messiah's Hands Inc. conducted an educational training course inside of The Cadwalder Branch Library in Trenton, New Jersey. Even though this was a strictly voluntary program, our numbers in participation grew significantly. Starting at 9 and reaching as high as 31. Our mission was to find out what is causing the problem and how do we fix it? After carefully researching the problem, we found that the biggest problem facing the urban community was “A NEGATIVE NETWORTH”. Meaning that their Total Liabilities outweigh their total Assets. This causes an individual to believe that their livelihood is in jeopardy. In most cases an individual begins to develop anxiety and rebellion which leads to irrational behavior.

As it is shown in New Jersey's Recidivism Rates.

WHAT ARE THE REICIDIVISM RATES FOR OFFENDERS LEAVING STATE PRISON IN NEW, JERSEY?

The most recent outcome study conducted by the Department of Corrections reveals that the overall re-arrest rate for adult offenders previously incarcerated in a New Jersey state Correctional facility is 55%, the re conviction rate is 43% and the re-incarceration rate is 31%. In New Jersey, as well as Nationally, the highest risk period formerly incarcerated persons face is within that initial period following their release from prison. Of those offenders rearrested, about half were rearrested within nine months of release. Again this adds to the Negative Net worth. Not only for the individual and their children but the tax payer as well.

HOW HAS THE GROWTH IN THE PRISON POPULATION IMPACTED THE STATE CORRECTION BUDGET?

In less than 30 years, the prison population in New Jersey more than quadrupled from about 6,000 to over 27,000, despite an overall decrease in crime. These trends have had enormous effects on state spending. Over the past 25 years, spending on corrections and parole has grown at twice the rate of the rest of the state budget. In 1983, the taxpayers spent just under $200 million on correction,parole, and the juvenile justice system. Today the budget for the Department of Corrections alone is over$900 million. Every year, the Department of Corrections spends an average of $34,600 for every inmate under its custody. In addition to reducing crime, even modest reductions in recidivism save the taxpaying public significant dollars.

WHO'S LEAVING PRISON?

Most are male (91%), single (83%) and black (63%). The average age of an offender leaving state prison is 34. At least half of the inmates have minority or at-risked children. The average reading level of the returning offender is the 6th grade, the average math level is the 5th grade. Two thirds have no GED or High School Diploma. They have spent an average of 2.5 years behind bars. The population has a myriad of complex issues, ranging from severe drug addiction and mental illness to poor employment skills and extensive histories of criminal behavior and lengthy incarceration. About a third have been diagnosed with at least one chronic and/or communicable, physical or mental health condition, not including substance abuse. More than 60% of New Jersey inmates were identified as having moderate to severe drug and alcohol addictions.

THE RESOLUTION!!!

After 3 years of rehears and development, Messiah's Hands Inc has developed The P.E.T.E.R PROJECT. This strategic plan to transform gang members/ at-risked individuals in to successful businessmen and women. By creating a professional program like setting that builds character in life and work.